THE cavalry return for Paul Crarey as Barrow take on Batley Bulldogs at the Northern Competition Stadium tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

Back in the frame are Matty Costello, Shane Toal, Max Clarke, Kavan Rothwell and Aaron Smith.

It’s a massive boost for Crarey who saw his depleted side go down 54-0 at Sheffield Eagles last weekend.

Smith's comeback at hooker is well timed with Tom Forber recalled by Wigan, who have a Reserve team fixture today.

Smith has missed the last few games with a leg injury, and prior to his time on the treatment table was fitting nicely into the Raiders pattern of play.

Costello comes back following a HIA ruling (11 days recovery) after taking a knock to the head in the defeat at the hands of Doncaster two weeks ago.

Fellow centre Toal has been out of action for the last six games with niggling injuries, and is raring to go.

Rothwell had a leg strain and was not risked with parent club Leigh Leopards keen for him to sit out the Sheffield game.

Clarke was an absentee last week due to personal reasons.

Tom Walker is unavailable, but the return of the five players is a shot in the arm for Raiders.

Speaking about their return, Crarey said: “It's brilliant news that we have lads back in contention for what is going to be another tough 80 minutes.

“We desperately needed bodies to return. Batley, despite having won just two games like ourselves will be a tough nut to crack.

“They are a team that know how to grind out a win.

“Who would have thought they would have started the season with only two wins from their first six fixtures?”

The Bulldogs currently sit ninth in the Betfred Championship table, while last weekend’s result saw Raiders drop to 12th.

Both sides have four points, although there is a big gap when it comes to points difference – Raiders are 80 point worse off.

But Crarey points out there is still plenty of point to play for.

He added: “We are not panicking, there are around another 20 games to go, so a win or two can change things in your favour.

“We are pleased that Wigan have chosen us as their dual registration partners, but this weekend they are unable to help out.

“Their first team played Thursday night and the Reserves are in action today plus they have a few injuries.

“It's good to have three forwards back on board with skipper Jarrad Stack not yet back from Australia and Charlie Emslie out for around three months following a bicep injury.

“It was a big blow losing Emslie; he was playing his best rugby for the club.”

Batley bounced back last week to defeat York City Knights 22-18 following a 34-14 home defeat by Wakefield the previous Sunday.

Against the Knights Batley led at one stage 22-0 and had to hang on as the Minstermen came back strongly.

Barrow have a blank weekend after tomorrow’s clash with a trip over the channel to face Toulouse on May 19.